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COLUMBUS—On Saturday afternoon, Polk County Parks & Rec. and the Spartanburg YMCA held the Gibson Park & Pool Party to celebrate Parks and Recreation Month. The event featured the ribbon-cutting for a brand-new playground at Gibson Park.

The long-anticipated playground equipment, chosen by the community in a vote this spring, was finally unveiled after three years of planning and hard work. According to Parks & Recreation Director Laura Baird, the old playground equipment was removed three years ago, and with the help of the Polk County Maintenance team and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the new equipment was installed and ready for the community to enjoy.

The celebration, which was attended by over 200 people, not only introduced the new playground but also highlighted the diverse range of activities available at Gibson Park. From a lively swimming pool with a Mermaid/Merman Pool Party to a friendly game of kickball for the adults, the day was packed with fun and excitement. Attendees enjoyed games, a hot dog lunch provided by Kiwanis, and delightful treats from the Island Ice truck. The pool was open for free entry to all participants.

“It’s a great day when the county and the YMCA can come together to do something fun for the community,” said Atticus Fehl, Program Director for the Spartanburg YMCA. “It’s always wonderful to see the county creating new spaces for kids to play.”

Brad Muse, Polk County YMCA Sports Coordinator, also shared his enthusiasm, remarking on the public’s strong turnout for the event. He noted, “It’s amazing how many people came out today to enjoy the pool and how many kids have gone to the pool over the years. It’s great to see the pool get some recognition since there are a lot of people who don’t realize it’s here and available to the public.”

The Gibson Park Pool is open Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. There is a fee for pool use. For information, call 828-894-2646.